Hospital waiting lists grow amid rising demand
New figures show more people are awaiting planned care despite increased activity in acute hospitals. The Department of Health says referral pressures have challenged recent progress, although lengthy delays have fallen substantially since 2021.
Hospital waiting lists increased in the year to October 2026 as rising demand and referrals offset higher levels of activity in acute hospitals, according to the Department of Health.
The latest figures are available through an interactive tool on the National Treatment Purchase Fund website. The department said demand for planned care had exceeded pre-pandemic levels and demographic expectations, while increased referrals could also reflect better access and awareness of services.
Since September 2021, the number of patients waiting more than 12 months has fallen by approximately 46%, or 131,000. The weighted average wait has dropped from 12.2 months to 7.0 months, although the department said recent demand had affected longer-term progress.
The 2026 Waiting Time Action Plan contains 36 actions, including pooled lists, centralised referrals, expanded digital services and additional activity through surgical hubs. Work is under way on a 2027 plan.
The Government’s Sláintecare targets are for patients to be seen within 10 weeks for outpatient appointments and 12 weeks for inpatient or day-case treatment and gastrointestinal endoscopy.